The Shi’ite branch of Islam has developed quite differently from the Sunni branch, both theologically and politically. It has also produced different types of art.

The Shi’is regard Husayn, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad, as a martyr for the people and the faith. This symbol of sacrifice has become the central pillar of the Shi’ite doctrine and the most common artistic motif produced by the Shi’ite community. His self-sacrifice during the battle of Karbala symbolizes the distinct Shi’ite identity and doctrine. 

This act of faith and its artistic representations have been and continue to be used constantly by different political forces within the Islamic political sphere. This has increasingly been the case since establishment of the Shi’ite state in Iran in the beginning of the 16^th century, all the way until the modern day Islamic regime in Iran.

We shall look at the development of motifs using elements of sacrifice, blood, and holiness in the art and the material culture of Iran and the political uses made of theses motifs.